LIVE REVIEW: CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM

Not even the acid rain could stop the Claypool Lennon Delirium from colliding worlds in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, August 12th, 2016. Many space cadets came to see the astonishing new invention of music at Promowest’s Express Live venue to experience the telepathic dialogue provided by the band JJUUJJUU.

Now, let’s take you all back into time before this amazing night in Columbus and tell the short tale about these bands.

If you don’t speak “delirious” Claypool Lennon Delirium is just a band consisting of Les Claypool (of ten or more projects/acts, including: Primus, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, etc.) He plays ten or more instruments like banjo, cello, of course bass, and has his own record label called Prawn Song Records.

*FUN FACT: the name and logo are a parody of Led Zeppelin’s label, Swan Song Records! He is a fan boy, just like you!

The other part of the band is just Sean Lennon; a well-educated pianist, actor, guitarist, songwriter, singer, and bassist. He has had projects over the years like his second solo album, Friendly Fire, and the band, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger.

*FUN FACT: Sean Lennon was featured in the cast in Michael Jackson’s 1988, Moonwalker.

After a great summer tour, pairing Primus with Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, Les Claypool and Sean Lennon have decided to combine their abstract talents into a project called The Claypool Lennon Delirium. Their efforts have spawned the full-length release called Monolith of Phobos.

The opener tonight is JJUUJJUU, an astral union, an arcane ritual, and above all, a conversation. — as I see they call themselves, which is very accurate actually. This band is all about their sound, and even their biography doesn’t break the illusion —

“Harnessing an unspoken energy, the pairing of Andrew Clinco and Phil Pirrone have exponentially blossomed from a sonic experiment to a forceful, telepathic dialogue of distinct-but-aligned vibrations. Releasing this dynamic on an expanding spiral of planned and impromptu live shows in the American southwest, the magnetism of the duo only continues to grow, along with its devoted, traveling coterie of entranced acolytes”

Come with me to have an experience!

As I walked into the blue-tinted venue, breezing by the security check, I looked to the left at the merchandise booth. Lucky me, not only were there t-shirts, but also SIGNED VINYL ALBUMS, and naturally I got one and a CD. I thought, ‘Since these guys do a bunch of projects, they might not be together after the summer!’

I bet many people appreciate the nice bar being straight ahead when they walk into the building. Patrick Desmond (photographer) and I went left to where all the fans were – walking down four steps to the floor by the stage. Side note: I enjoy the levels this venue has — dance floor, “drinking” floor, and balcony!

Of course the stage is already set up for the Claypool Lennon Delirium. Of course I loved it since it reminded me of that classic silent movie: A Trip To The Moon. I knew that when I saw this, that Lennon and Claypool always have meaning to anything they do and have similar themes to push along their stories.

Before too long the opening act comes on the stage. Three men: drummer, bassist, guitarist and singer. Honestly, it was nothing I have experienced personally. The music was — dare I compare to Led Zeppelin? — has similar power and dynamics I should say. As the band JJUUJJUU played, people get lost in their music. You know, eyes closed, body swaying, and contemplating life kind of thing.

The singer’s voice brought me back to my past life when I left the world at a Doors concert. Very dynamically accurate and swings the melody into the beat. Just when you thought they were done, the bassists hung on a few notes as they sat and drank water, then they hit you with another beat while they sit and keep the music constant. That stuff just gets my rocks off.

When they finished the set, space cadets opened their eyes, a bit staggered legged, and I knew that this band was perfect for what was about to hit them next.

Once Claypool Lennon Delirium hit that stage, suddenly the fog cleared and bros started screaming, “Yeah, Les!” Then instantly, Les put the fog back upon us with the help of Sean’s beauty. They started the set off with the first track in the album, “Astronomy Domine” (Pink Floyd cover.) Then they go into the “Cricket and The Genie” movements, and I have to admit, I got lost in this show since everything is completely constant and changing.

The band played some covers like “Heart of The Sunrise” (Yes, cover and was their first attempt and later did a second attempt because they learned it that day, Les said) Perfectionists I can respect. Also went back with some King Crimson covers.

It’s nice as a listener to hear creative music that is done accurately and precise, which is this band’s spirit. The spirit of the band is grown with experiences including hurt and happiness — which is what I hear coming from their album and the live show. Understand that the artists has had many projects in their life and this album is them “giving a f*ck about not giving a f*ck”. They make what they want and hit the right notes every time!

Now about their dynamic together — oh America, it’s like eating ice cream on a hot brownie. They are great multi-tasking musicians — even on stage. You know, when you are listening to an album with a lot going on with blended voices, then you see that band live and are disappointed not hearing those great harmonies? The Claypool Lennon Delirium is not a disappointment in that department because they understand balance and mixing on stage, too.

That brings me to my next point: their voices.

As many people know, Claypool is well known for his unique and deep voice, and Sean can cover those higher notes for their harmonies – songs that show this very well are: “Ohmerica”, “Cricket and The Genie Movement II”, “Boomerang Baby”, and a bit more that I can’t think of on the top of my head.

To sum up The Claypool Lennon Delirium — They are a band that reflect art with life, well-educated, knows how to balance sound (not everything is from a keyboard). They want to show the truth in everything people are hiding from and play with your mind as they make well-constructed and beautiful music.

Sean said it all when he stated: “When they turn and run in terror, that’s when you know you’re good!”